House of Cards || Daerin

9. Earning Her Trust

DANIELLE

Kang Haerin. What have you done to me? You've turned me into something helpless, hopeless.

I've been sitting in my room for what feels like an eternity, waiting for her. And I have never waited for anyone like this. I've never been so patient, so cautious with every word, every move. She's ruining me without even knowing it—and that was never part of the plan.

My eyes flicked between the wine bottle on the table and the soft glow of the lamp in the corner, its light barely chasing away the dimness. I waited, so quietly, so still that I swore the silence would drive me mad.

Then, a knock. My lips tugged into a smile, small but satisfied. Finally.

I stood up, walking toward the door with a quiet excitement, and when I opened it, there she was. The girl I've been waiting for.

She looked awkward, and I had to bite back a smile at how adorably out of place she seemed, now wearing an oversized sweatshirt. Still, effortlessly beautiful, as if she didn't need to try.

"Are we just going to... you know, have a staring contest?" she broke the silence, her voice tinged with nervousness.

I couldn't help it this time; I smiled, wider than I usually allow myself to. Stepping aside, I opened the door further, gesturing for her to come in. She walked in, glancing around as I shut the door behind her.

"It reeks of rich people perfume in here," she muttered, scrunching her nose in distaste. I found it endearing

"Now you're just exaggerating, my darling," I laughed, motioning toward the couch. She followed, trailing behind me as her eyes still wandered the room.

"Seriously though, don't you ever get tired of the luxury?" she asked, her expression suddenly serious, curious.

I shrugged, settling down on the couch. "You get used to it." And soon enough, she would, too.

"So... right, are we drinking?" she asked, brightening up, though she remained standing, her gaze sweeping over me before finally settling.

"That was the plan," I replied, patting the space next to me. "But I wouldn't mind just talking, if that's what you prefer."

She hesitated for a moment, then moved closer, sitting down beside me. Not quite close enough, but close enough for now.

"So, I've like... called you a spoiled brat. I haven't exactly been the nicest to you, last night too," she began, her words uncertain, as though she didn't believe what she was saying. "And you... you still want to talk to me?"

I turned slightly, folding my arms as I looked at her, eyes narrowing just slightly. "Why? Is it so wrong to want to get to know someone?"

Her face flushed a little as she fumbled for words. "No—no, it's not that. I just... do you, uh, want those leggings back or something?"

Her awkwardness was almost too much, and I laughed, the sound spilling out before I could stop it. But when I looked at her, she was dead serious.

"Darling, do you really think all of this is about getting those leggings back?"

She blinked at me, wide-eyed, and nodded.

God, she really is something.

"No, Kang Haerin," I said softly, leaning a little closer. "I don't care about the leggings."

She looked at me, clearly puzzled. "How do you know my last name?"

I raised an eyebrow, amused. "You told me. In the elevator. Remember?"